STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Oh, boy — it’s Valentine’s Day today. Could you have procrastinated any longer on making a festive treat for a neighbor or special someone?

As candy-making goes, it doesn’t get much easier than this. And the best part is that there are infinite ways to personalize chocolate bark. You know, so that you can show that you really do care enough to cater to his or her tastes.

Start with a pound of chocolate. It can be white, milk or dark. Doesn’t matter. Then you add your toppings, things like nuts, coconut, dried fruit, or more creative options such as pumpkin seeds and caramel popcorn. Whatever your topping choices, look for contrasts — something crunchy, something tangy, something salty.

We’ve created several combinations that are rich in contrast and beautiful in appearance, but feel free to play with the toppings or to switch out the chocolate for milk or white. Of course, because it is the star of the show, be sure to use a good quality chocolate.

And, by the way, this treat is quite flexible: You can use this recipe for St. Patrick’s Day. Find some green splashed of color with sprinkles or dyed sugar crystals.

Other suggestions for toppings include sprinkling a layer of large-flake coconut, toasted slice almonds or cocoa nibs on top.

For crunch and contrast on the surface, crush up honey roasted peanuts, extra-crispy cooked bacon or even black peppercorns. Smash toffee pieces. Toast pumpkin seeds or coconut flakes. Chop up dried apricots, candied ginger or macadamia nuts. This is also a good outlet for broken salted pretzel sticks, cut up mini marshmallows and caramel popcorn.

Advance Food Editor Pamela Silvestri contributed to this article.

CHOCOLATE BARK

(Makes 12 servings)

1 pound dark, milk or white chocolate

Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with waxed paper. Have all your bark toppings ready before melting the chocolate.

If your chocolate is in bars or large, thick pieces, use a knife to carefully chop it up into small bits. Transfer the chocolate to a large glass measuring cup or bowl, then heat in the microwave on medium, stopping to stir every 20 to 30 seconds, until completely melted.

Pour the chocolate onto the prepared pan, then tap the pan on the counter to level the melted chocolate. Immediately sprinkle your choice of toppings over the surface of the chocolate. Allow to cool completely and set up, then break into pieces.